Banned for being too critical of the communist regime, Das Kaninchen bin ich tells the story of Maria (Angelika Waller), a young woman whose brother is sentenced for subversive activities. Filing an appeal for him at the courthouse, Maria is asked out by an older man who turns out to be the sentencing judge. The film’s style recalls the French New Wave cinema of the 1960s. This aesthetic daring, combined with the film’s obvious critique of Soviet justice, made it too much for the authorities of the time.

The screening will be followed by a talk by Ralf Schenk, DEFA expert, film critic and cinema historian. The session will end with a reception to mark the anniversary, hosted by the German Embassy in Ireland.